The amazing BELLACURES just opened an outpost is Brentwood! I LOVE this salon. See my earlier post about Bellacures here and run to the new spot if you're in the hood for an extra lovely mani-pedi experience.
11712 Barrington Court
Los Angeles CA 90049
310.295.0016
Monday - Saturday 9am - 7pm
Sunday 11am - 7pm
Call to make your appointment 310.295.0016 or just stop in!
I have been dying to try the EL LEON SPA for a Long time. Sandi, my lash guru's studio is in the courtyard behind it and every time I go there I take a peek in, as well a deep breath as it smells amazing from all the exotic oils, and I remind myself to book a massage. They had a great little set up at a Golden Globes gifting suite at the SLS Hotel where I sampled the phenomenal hands of one of their massage therapists and viola- I booked an appointment that day.
So happy I did! First of all the place is really unique - design wise. Not your typical antiseptic, cool modern day spa. It's an open loft-like space and the decor is Thai inspired and Moroccan flavored, all warm and dark woodsy and well...mystical. You feel like you're stepping into another universe altogether. It's so fully successful in being exotic at every turn, even the bathrooms are aligned with the aesthetic, I was immediately transported to another world, one that was filled with the wafting essential oils and a bunch of furniture I wish I had in my house. The massage 'rooms' are very much like in a Thai massage house, large futons on the floor with giant flowing curtains to section off the different treatment areas. My therapist Angela was phenomenal - just perfect. Even though I'm pregnant and she knew exactly how to work on me, I told her not to be afraid to dig into my legs and glutes and neck, etc. And she did so beautifully. And deeply! I highly recommend El Leon when you need a true escape and you're looking for something less predictable than the average spa escape. When you crave something more special - this is the place. Great for a pre-Valentines Day dinner. I'm thinking a gift certificate from here is a PERFECT gift. It's also a very romantic couples massage place. And the spa menu is exotic too. Yes, they have facials, even waxing and divine hot bath soak things going on (love, love the bathrooms) and the facial area is just as cool, warm, dark and relaxing. I'm definitely going to go back and try one. And next time I'm going to hang out for a while after my treatment and just chill with their offerings of tea, fruit and dried dates in my robe and pretend I'm somewhere far far away...
It's no wonder it's received rave reviews in ALLURE, IN STYLE, LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE, YOGI TIMES AND DAILY CANDY.
Check out their services and pictures and press here:
8217 Beverly Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90048-4530 (323) 782-9582
Hair care is ready for a change…Women are ready for a Revolution
So super excited! I've been obsessed with Ric ever since he gave me the world's best haircut that I FLEW TO NYC FOR this year. He told me he was coming out with his own line of hair products and viola - it's here! What's so cool about it is that the products are formulated specifically to your cut. So far, so good, and I'm diggin' the styling products big time. THe shampoo and conditioner are super yummy. OH! And they smell amazing! Here's a bit about the stuff below:
Pipino’s new line revolutionizes the concept of hair care with products designed to address the haircut rather than hair type. Recognizing a void in the hair care market, Pipino designed Revolution In Cut to re-energize and support the haircut and help bring out its personality, shape and style – a simple maintenance plan that helps hair respond to its new shape.
Ric Pipino’s groundbreaking approach to hair care serves haircut functionality, helping to maintain the integrity of the haircut day in and day out. Using an innovative haircut-specific approach, Pipino designed a line of products that stand up to his high level of standards and keep his clients’ hair looking both healthy and beautiful, all while maximizing the cuts’ shape and style between salon visits. Each product reinforces the signature cutting techniques used to create the haircut. Revolution In Cut is comprised of a shampoo, conditioners, primers and styling products customized to the six essential haircut techniques: bob, layered bob, crop, short layer, long layer, blunt. Inspired by Pipino’s personal memories of trips to Italy with his father, each product is lightly infused with the scent of Neroli (orange blossom), reinforcing Pipino’s belief that hair should be a multi-sensorial experience – not just about the way hair looks and feels, but how it smells. All products in the Revolution In Cut line are free of sulfates, parabens and gluten.
CARE FOR my cut
Revolution In Cut’s customized shampoo, conditioner and deep conditioner are suitable for all hair types and haircuts, designed to complement the unique primers. The daily conditioner provides UV protection and contains Keratin and protein to prevent breakage. The deep conditioner acts as a weekly hair mask using amino acids and botanicals to nourish and repair dryness and damage.
PRIME my cut
The six primers or pre-styling products are in essence an extension of the hairdresser’s scissors, helping to support and maintain the performance of the haircut in between salon appointments. These first-to-market primers are formulated with the specific levels of hold, volume, texture and shine to improve the condition of the hair, in turn extending the life of the cut. Containing a proprietary blend of amino acids, proteins and vitamins in conjunction with unique nanosphere technology, Revolution In Cut primers increase the strength, hydration and elasticity of the hair.
STYLE my cut
Pipino puts the final touches on Revolution In Cut with a wide range of styling products that allow the haircut to take on new personalities. The categories include Toussle Me, Curl Me, Smooth Me and Lift Me. Thermal protectants found in the Toussle, Smooth and Lift products prevent color from fading and protect against damage from heat styling tools. Rich antioxidants found in the Toussle product work to repair damage and provide movement without build-up.
With a focus on delivering personal attention to each hair type’s needs, Revolution In Cut is a direct reflection of Pipino’s approach to styling – it’s personal.
Revolution In Cut launches January 2010 and will be sold exclusively through the month of March 2010 at Beauty 360 (www.beauty360.com) locations nationwide and online at as well as Pipino’s salons and online at www.pipino.com. Beauty 360 offers prestige and niche beauty products from around the world, and as an extension of CVS/pharmacy, provides customers nationwide with access to upscale, professional products. Revolution In Cut is the latest addition to their roster of luxury brands.
We all know you can't look for a baby skincare product without settling on something from the wonderous MUSTELA line and desiring it badly. It really is top of the line for baby skincare. Now I have the opportunity to explore their maternity line (click on 'maternity' on their website and they have a TON of irresistible products...wow!) and I'm super excited to bring their amazing formulations to my skin and not just my bebe's! I'm getting waaayy into STRETCH MARK DOUBLE ACTION. It's pretty divine. It's skin cell renewal system is delivered/stimulated by Silicium, trace elements and Japonica. It also featured Alpha hydroxy-acid, and palm and coco oils. I've only had it for a bit but it's addictive. I mean, is it so wrong to use it...well...several times a day? Doubt it! I'm also digging the ULTIMATE HYDRATION body lotion. This stuff is so good it's really just for anyone and everyone and whenever. In fact my hubby is gobbling it up. Hey, get your own moisturizer, pleeze! It's got plant Ceram ides which prevent water loss, compensates for lipid deficiency with pure wheat germ oil and increasing skin resistance with the restructuring activity Elastoregulator. Uh, wow!
Here's deets on the Stretch Mark Double Action:
The Elastoregulator® (soy peptide derivative), Chlorophycea, and Lupeol combined with Alpha Hydroxy Acid moisturizers and nourishing oils preserve your skin’s elasticity and suppleness. This helps prevent new stretch marks. Restructuring, vaso-protective complex containing silicon, trace elements and sophora japonica stimulates the skin, considerably minimizing recent stretch marks. A rich and creamy texture, ideal for a relaxing massage. Does not stain clothing. Hypoallergenic - specially formulated to minimize the risks of allergic reactions. Compatible with sonograms. May be used during breast-feeding (follow usual proper hygiene rules before breast feeding).
Tested clinically under gynecological control. Retails for about $39. WORTH IT!!
Expectant mothers get a soothing, powerful solution for stretch marks caused by the rapid expansion of skin during pregnancy. It’s a nutrient-rich oil and intensive hydration that nourishes and smoothes stretching skin as your baby grows. A base of sweet almond oil works gently, delivering intensely moisturizing essential fatty acids that keep your skin supple and protected from drying. Because pregnancy is a big job for your muscles and skin, our organic arnica flower extract helps ease tightness and provides a layer of comforting warmth when you indulge yourself with a soothing massage. Nourishing wheat germ oil conditions and refines your skin’s texture with a high quantity of vitamins A, D and E. Regular use visibly helps to correct the appearance of stretch marks on your pregnant belly; your thighs, bottom and breasts; and helps prevent the appearance of new ones. Now you can take a deep breath, relax and save the deep stretching for yoga.
Wow, RECESS is AMAZING! And it's been right under my nose, right here on Beverly Blvd and Orlando for two years. It was honestly the most delightful, attentive, thorough mani/pedi I've had in a salon in...well, I can't even remember. It wasn't just the gorgeous atmosphere that seduced me.
Here, take lookie here and see for yourself:
The super skilled and knowledgeable ladies who worked on me (ask for the amazing Naima and Ali) knew their stuff big time. This wasn't a quickie wham bam thank you mame slop job but mani/pedi as art form. First I chose the scent I wanted them to infuse in the salts and non-toxic, organic creams they would be using (I think it was Cocoa Beach- yum!) The next hour and a half were pure bliss. Recess offers amazing treatments and for $25 a mani and $35 a pedi you are getting a REAL mani/pedi. I cannot recommend this place enough when you need to do a mani/pedi the right way or want to treat yourself to a little extra special experience. Everything in the salon is made from Green materials, down to the bamboo curtains and towels. The polishe selection is exquisite, of the moment colors you cant find at your local chop shop. And there's a great shopping selection too of amazing creams, polishes and treats.
The owner Nidhi is so sweet, accommodating and lovely. She is always adding interesting things to the menu. OH! And they also do organic waxing, which I'm def going to try next time as I am always mad about a great wax. It would be a cool place to have a little girls party of some sort or pre-wedding thing with bridesmaids.
8408-B BEVERLY BOULEVARD LOS ANGELES, CA 90048 (EAST OF LA CIENEGA)
323.782.9919 RECESS-LA.COM
Recess is the first completely green nail spa in Los Angeles--from the products used in treatments down to th e construction and energy use. Thanks to years of research, the spa is committed to the utmost in sanitation, service, and relaxation at an affordable price. More than just a spa, it’s a lifestyle of environmental consciousness that also promotes luxury, healthy atmospheres, and social awareness.
Hand Blended. Organic Ingredients. Natural Therapy. Our Organic products are FREE of Formaldehyde, Dyes and Parabens. You can choose from the following Lotions, Scrubs, Oils and Soaks.
Summer Guava refreshing Lemon Essence detoxifying
Tropical Pineapple hydrating Citrus Breeze rebalances skin
Blooming Rose mature skin Indian Spice aids dry skin
Coco Beach softens skin Key Lime circulation & immunity
Lavender Frost calming Sweet Pink Lemonade astringent
Berry Fusion uplifts mood Apricot Acai nourishing
Peppermint Acai brightens skin Sugar Cookie cell growth
Chamomile natural sedative
8408-B BEVERLY BOULEVARD LOS ANGELES, CA 90048 (EAST OF LA CIENEGA)
323.782.9919 RECESS-LA.COM
RECESS BASICS
MANICURE
$25 30 minutes
Just what the name says, the basics! Soak, Nail Shaping, Buffing, Cuticle Care, Lotion and Polish. Includes your choice of recess organic aromatherapy Soak, Nail Shaping & Buffing, and tender Cuticle Care. This is followed with a warm towel treatment with our extra plush anti-microbial bamboo towels and a hydrating recess organic Moisturizer in your choice of scent. Finish with a Non-Toxic nail polish. Buffer, Orangewood Stick and File are yours to take home!
PEDICURE
$35 45 minutes
Includes your choice of recess organic aromatherapy Soak, Nail Shaping & Buffing, tender Cuticle Care, and Pumice to callused areas. This is followed with a warm towel treatment with our extra plush anti-microbial bamboo towels, and a hydrating recess organic Moisturizer in your favorite flavor. Finish with a Non-Toxic polish. Foot Files, Buffer, Orangewood Stick, and File are yours to take home!
RECESS SIGNATURE
MANICURE
$35 45 minutes
Includes everything in the Recess Basic Manicure, plus a moisture-locking recess organic Essential Oil, a Lavender Paraffin Wrap, and a Moisturizer Massage in the flavors of your choice.
PEDICURE
$50 55 minutes
Includes everything in the Recess Basic Pedicure, plus an Exfoliating recess organic Scrub, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap and a Massage in the lotion of your choice.
RECESS ENHANCEMENTS
Add-ons for Manicures and Pedicures include these Luxurious Options
For your hands $6.00
For your feet $8.00
FOOT SCRUB - Exfoliating dead sea salt & sugar. A must for your pedicure.
CALLUS TREATMENT - combats even the most stubborn soles
PARAFFIN WRAP - Intense Hydration (pair with Essential Oil for best results)
ESSENTIAL OIL - a natural blend with therapeutic benefits
WAX BUFFER - yours to keep, provides a natural shine.
FRENCH TIP - the natural-looking polish choice
NAIL ART - add some culture to your life $3/nail
MASSAGE - an Extended 10 minute Massage $15
CALLUS PACKAGE - Foot Scrub, Callus Treatment, & Paraffin Wrap $35
Get Creative with Your Very Own Essential Oil Blend!
Please Ask Our Manicurists for Assistance and Pricing.
RECESS HALF-TIME SERVICES
This quickie includes a flash soak, nail shape & buff, simple cuticle pushing, a recess lotion application, and non-toxic polish application
* Does not include warm towel treatment, foot file, tender cuticle care or add-ons.
For Your Hands $18 20 minutes
For Your Feet $27 30 minutes
JUST A POLISH CHANGE
This includes a recess organic Lotion Application in the flavor of your choice, and your choice of Non-Toxic nail polish.
*soak, foot file & tender cuticle care not included
For Your Hands $12 15 minutes
For Your Feet $15 15 minutes
RECESS FOR KIDS
(ages 10 and under)
We want everyone to enjoy their time at recess, so we’ve developed a couple guaranteed kid-friendly services with child-safe Essential Oil Blends
CHILDREN AT PLAY
Includes a calming Lavender Frost Soak and A Summer Guava Lotion application that will restore skin balance, heal ailments, and serves as a natural antiseptic. Recess time concludes with a Non-Toxic polish & simple nail art design.
Manicure $18.00 20 minutes
Pedicure $27.00 20 minutes
LAVENDER LULLABY
This package will work to safely and naturally calm your child. Includes Calming Lavender Frost Soak, Child-Safe Essential Oil Blend, Chamomile Lotion, Polish & Simple Nail Art Design
Manicure $23 30 minutes
Pedicure $32 30 minutes
RECESS SIGNATURE COCKTAILS
When you’re feeling playful, choose from the following services.We’ve paired a few scents together that will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and polished.
TROPI CALI
Tropical Pineapple Soak, Exfoliating Tropical Pineapple Scrub, Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Coco Beach Moisturizer Massage
hands $35.00 40 minutes
feet $50.00 55 minutes
CHILL OUTKey Lime Aromatherapy Soak, Lemon Essence Essential Oil Blend, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Lavender Frost Moisturizer Massage
hands $35.00 40 minutes
feet $50.00 55 minutes
SWEET TREAT
Summer Guava Aromatherapy Soak, Exfoliating Sugar Cookie Scrub, Lavender Frost Essential Oil Blend, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Berry Fusion Moisturizer Massage
hands $40.00 45 minutes
feet $55.00 60 minutes
AFTERNOON DELIGHT
Lemon Essence Aromatherapy Soak, Exfoliating Citrus Breeze Scrub, Sweet Pink Lemonade Essential Oil Blend, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Key Lime Moisturizer Massage
hands $40.00 45 minutes
feet $55.00 60 minutes
BLOOMINESQUE
Blooming Rose Aromatherapy Soak, Exfoliating Berry Fusion Scrub, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Blooming Rose Moisturizer Massage
hands $35.00 40 minutes
feet $50.00 55 minutes
SOUTHERN SECRET
Sweet Pink Lemonade Aromatherapy Soak, Exfoliating Key Lime Scrub, Lemon Essence Essential Oil Blend, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Berry Fusion Moisturizer Massage
hands $40.00 45 minutes
feet $55.00 60 minutes
THE MUSK TRY
Lavender Frost Aromatherapy Soak, Exfoliating Berry Fusion Scrub, Berry Fusion Essential Oil Blend, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Indian Spice Moisturizer Massage
hands $40.00 45 minutes feet $55.00 60 minutes
•All ingredients used are the finest sourced from all natural to organic. We here at recess only carry the highest standard in nail care and sanitation•
RECESS’ PREMIERE SPA TREATMENTS
Some times not just your hands and feet need attention. Our full-body treatments are constructed to maximize essential oil therapy, relaxation, and overall enjoyment.
POWER LUNCH $75
Manicure/Pedicure 30 minutes
A no frills approach to a complete service that will nourish your skin with a healthy dose of antioxidants and leave you perfectly polished, even during crunch time. Appointments are Strongly Suggested.
Includes: Key Lime Soak, Acai Essential Oil, and Citrus Breeze Lotion.
THIRSTY FEET $75
Pedicure Only 75 minutes
Meant for feet in need of a little extra TLC. The treatment will work wonders on your feet by softening and restoring skin balance, providing intense hydration, increasing circulation, healing sun damage and shedding unwanted dry skin. Your feet will love it!
Includes: Lemon Essence Soak, Eucalyptus Thyme Foot Scrub, Warm Towel Treatment, Triple Layer Essential Oil Treatment, Paraffin Wrap, and Citrus Breeze Lotion.
STRESS MANAGEMENT $165
Manicure 85 minutes Pedicure 110 minutes
Relax in the hydrotherapy of a warm water soak and erase tension with an exfoliating foot scrub. Reduce anxiety and improve immunity-- weakened by high stress. Service promotes relaxation and feelings of euphoria with a highlighted extended massage.
Includes: Lavender Frost Soak, Lavender Frost Foot Scrub, Warm Towel Treatment, Triple Layer Essential Oil Blend, Paraffin Wrap, Extended Massage, Lavender Frost Lotion
ACAI OF RELIEF $110
Manicure 60 minutes Pedicure 75 minutes
Designed to neutralize toxins, improve immunity, and visibly brighten your skin. Begin with an immunity boosting soak, a special antioxidant infused foot scrub, and a lotion that will help purify and cleanse. Further detoxify to feel refreshed and renewed.
Includes: Key Lime Aromatherapy Soak, Coffee Acai Foot Scrub, 2-Part Essential Oil Treamtent, Paraffin Wrap, Apricot Acai Lotion
RECESS’ PREMIERE SPA TREATMENTS - CONT’D
THE ULTIMATE ORGANIC DETOX $140
Manicure 75 minutes Pedicure 100 minutes
We’ve customized an aggressive treatment that will purify, detoxify, relax and recharge. Neutralize toxins and raise immunity. Feed your skin antioxidants that will leave you softer and brighter. You’ll be ready and refreshed.
Includes: Lemon Essence & Key Lime Aromatherapy Soak, Acai Hand Scrub, Acai Foot Scrub, 4-Part Essential Oil Treatment, Paraffin Wrap, Citrus Breeze Lotion Massage
AROMATHERAPY COUPLES PACKAGE $250
Manicure 60 minutes Pedicure 90 minutes
Get pampered side by side with a more private, intimate experience with a pull of the curtains. Calm your nerves, increase your circulation, purify and stimulate the senses with intoxicating layers of essential oils, leaving you feeling and smelling irresistible.
Includes: Lavender Frost Aromatherapy Soak, Exfoliating Key Lime Foot Scrub, 3-Part Essential Oil Treatment, Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Indian Spice Lotion Massage
I've been meaning to write about INTRACEUTICALS for a long time as I've been hearing more and more exciting things about them.
This is a line of some seriously high-tech skin products: anti-aging, botanicals, clarifier's, etc... Intraceuticals is featured in many high profile spas, by leading plastic surgeons, dermatologists and cutting edge aestheticians around the world and also, many right here in town like the amazing Terri Lawton.
I went straight for the ATOXELENE LINE WAND as anything that has to do with lines, wrinkles, etc, in my friend. Here's a bit about it:
Atoxelene Line Wand contains a concentrated skin smoothing complex that targets expression lines and wrinkles without loss of facial expression. Smooths and visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles without pain or injections in a portable, take anywhere applicator. Apply to affected areas around forehead, eyes and smile lines. Use twice daily. Optimum results achieved in 30 days.
With just one Atoxelene Infusion® your expression lines will visibly soften. For maximum benefits repeat infusions are recommended weekly for the first six weeks. Expression lines become smoother, firmer and visibly reduced, eye contour more defined and lips plumped. Maintain this positive change with an Atoxelene Infusion® every four to six weeks.
HOW THE INFUSION WORKS
An Intraceuticals Atoxelene Infusion® harnesses three elements to achieve instant and dramatic results:
A. Oxygen under light pressure aids delivery of age defying actives to the deeper layers of the skin at the same time as cooling and calming the skin.
B. Unique Atoxelene Serum contains lightweight Hyaluronic Acid and a
powerful combination of Vitamins and antioxidants in addition to Argireline.
The Hyaluronic Acid helps to instantly hydrate the skin resulting in increased
firmness, reduced fine lines, and improved facial contours. Argireline provides the magic to specifically target expression lines and provide increased firmness, smoother fine lines and wrinkles.
C. Treatment Support Products provide essential layers to seal in and supplement skin nutrients for maximum synergistic effect and longer lasting results.
HYALURONIC LAYERING
The lightweight Hyaluronic Acid in the Atoxelene Serum is absorbed quickly by the skin for maximum dispersion of nutrients. Atoxelene Line Wand with multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid offers a concentrated formula that moisturizes the skin’s surface and can be repeated throughout the day to achieve the ultimate hydration for specific expression line areas. The Atoxelene range may also be used in conjunction with Rejuvenate and Opulence products.
I'm really loving my wand and think it's a perfect way to try out the line.
For those of you who have not heard of Garth Fisher, let's just say he's THE MAN of plastic surgery in Los Angeles. Obviously, board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and infamous for being the first doc to helm "Extreme Makeover" but really, just a top notch surgeon, renowned for his fabulous boob work. He's known as the go-to-guy for the most beautiful, natural boob jobs and lifts. And let's not leave out the rest of the body too. He's just a great surgeon and aesthetician.
So, when he came out with this SKIN TREATMENT line I was intrigued. I dove straight in for the whole SYSTEM - totally well priced, only $120 for the whole deal-e-o. And I'm really, really into it!
Look, this stuff is very advanced. You need to watch this VIDEO of him talking about it if you really want to dig into the science of it.
I'm just simply finding it's doing an awesome job on my skin as I progress with my 30-day treatment. I really trust Garth from, uh, let's just call it, first hand experience ;)...So, I'm pretty much down with whatever he's up to...
Take a look here and maybe treat yourself to the 30 DAY TEST......CellCeuticals Biomedical Skin Treatments
Based upon his increasing recognition of the importance of proper skin nutrition and health, Dr. Fisher collaborated with well-respected industry leader Paul Scott Premo in 2006 to co-found "CellCeuticals® Skin Care, Inc", an international anti-aging skin care company. This company with exciting proprietary core technology was conceived with an obligation to develop effective and safe skin treatment products based upon valid scientific studies. To bring this vision to reality, a team of the country's leading scientists and researchers in the fields of tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and therapeutic peptides participated to create the popular and highly regarded "CellCeuticals® Biomedical Skin Treatments." For more information please visit the CellCeuticals® website.
